Autism Studies & Applied Behavior Analysis (BA)
Gain the educational expertise to help children and adults overcome unique challenges
As the numbers of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) rise, the need for caring, qualified professionals continues to grow. Through MBU’s 100% online program, you’ll learn the skills you need to become a supporter, caregiver, educator, and advocate with the potential to create lifelong positive impact in the lives of children and adults.
- Format
- Online
- Degree(s)
- Bachelor of Arts
- Offered As
- Major, Minor in ABA, Minor in ASD
Next steps
Why Choose MBU for Autism Studies & ABA?
With our fully asynchronous online approach, you can pursue the Autism Studies & ABA program and access an MBU education wherever you are. The online format provides an ideal solution for both working professionals and students on campus.
Throughout our 7-week term structure, you’ll engage with our supportive faculty who share their expertise in behavior analysis, organizational psychology, K-12 education, and juvenile justice. Learn to become a vital advocate for those with ASD, serving a growing need while expanding your career potential.
Features & Benefits
- Students fulfill 70 hours of ASD practicum to gain real-world experience
- Our program collaborates with students to arrange and confirm good matches with qualified supervisors.
- Majors complete a culminating capstone project
- High-achieving students can save time and money earning a BA/MS in just five years
Mary Baldwin University’s ABA course sequences are approved by Applied Behavior Analysis International® as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst Examination® and Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify.
All ABAI Verified Course Sequences are required to publish pass rates of their students who take the BCaBA and BCBA examinations. View the BCBA and BCaBA Examination Pass Rates data. Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.
Next steps
“I have always wanted to help people in a hands-on way and contribute to a field that benefits the greater good.”
Tatiana Bryant ’17, MEd ’19, BCBA, LBAField Supervisor for Outpatient Behavior Therapy
Courses and Curriculum
Our program provides a solid foundation in educational principles and a focus on compassion, quality of life, and best practices when working with clients.
Sample core and elective courses include:
There is a science behind improving athletic performance. This science, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), is used in sports and athletic training to teach and reinforce skills used in training and competition. For a behavior analyst, all actions, whether used in daily life or on the basketball court, are simply a set of behaviors and can be taught and reinforced using the basic tenets of conditioning. This course will provide students with fundamental principles of behavior at the root of all training and performance outcomes.
This course explores Autism Spectrum Disorders through a contemporary international context, considering socio-cultural aspects of diagnosis and treatment, as well as political, educational, and economic implications of increasing rates of ASD and related disorders in countries and regions outside of North America.
This course is designed to introduce students to how gender affects diagnosis, treatment, and thriving with neurodiversity (Autism, ADHD, Anxiety, etc.). Specific emphasis will be placed on autistic girls and women and will touch on lifespan matters from early childhood through adulthood.
Unique student support
The McCree Center for Life Success assists current students and alumni in finding the best opportunities throughout their career development. We work closely with both faculty and employers to identify how your valued education best matches the needs of today’s evolving marketplace.
Cost & Financial Aid
A great education is worth it. Here’s how Mary Baldwin helps you pay for it: Generous financial aid packages, a broad range of scholarships, transferring maximum credit hours from previous coursework or relevant work and life experiences — the list goes on. Our mission is to help you level up and bring your aspirations to life.
MBU helps you fast-track your path to a bachelor’s degree with the opportunity to transfer up to 18 credits (6 courses) through direct course equivalents from the Virginia Community Colleges System.
- Cost per credit hour: $486
- Credits required for a bachelor’s degree: 120